Lawrence North High School senior Ava Cousin is not just an impressive athlete and a stellar student, but also a passionate lover of basketball. Her journey with the sport began at the age of 7 at her church. This love for the game has been a driving force in her life, leading her to continue playing through middle and high school.
“My first coach was my dad, and he taught me that playing basketball should be fun,” says Ava.
Cousin currently plays guard for the Lawrence North girls basketball team and the newly added girls flag football team. She says she got involved with flag football because many of her friends were participating in it and she thought it sounded fun.
“Ava Cousin is an exemplary student-athlete, and we are immensely proud of all that she has accomplished both on and off the court,” says Stephen Thomas, girls basketball head coach. “ Her strong character, leadership and dedication serve as an inspiration to everyone around her. Ava consistently demonstrates what it means to be prepared and committed, reminding our Lawrence North girls basketball team that when you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. Congratulations Ava. We are confident that your best is yet to come.”
Cousin’s academic prowess is equally impressive, with a 4.25 GPA and membership in the National Honor Society. Her dedication to her studies is evident in her academic achievements. She has also volunteered around the school in many capacities throughout the years, through the Lawrence North Athletic Council. She has also attended the IHSAA Student Leadership Summit. She also gives back to the community by volunteering at New Direction Church. In the fall of 2025 Cousin plans to attend college and is currently still deciding where she’ll attend. She says she’s deciding between Marquette University and a historically black college/university. She wants to major in biology and then pursue a career in dentistry.
Looking towards the future, Ava has clear aspirations. “I like the idea of becoming a dentist because it allows me to be my own boss,” Ava says. “Basically I’m able to have a successful career but also have a personal life. I can also have my own practice. I also like that I’m able to transform someone’s life by helping them achieve their best smile.” Her vision for her future is not just ambitious, but also inspiring.
Cousin’s parents, Patrick and Meredith, are exceptionally proud of their daughter for her athletic and academic achievements. They say they can’t wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.
“We can still remember the first time our daughter played a basketball game,” says Meredith. “She was so good. I couldn’t believe how good she was. She was always so energetic and smiling. We were extremely proud of her. That sense of pride has only grown with each of her achievements, not just in sports, but in all things, including school and church, big and small. Seeing her succeed fills us with so much joy, and each one of her achievements inspires us more and more.”
